Israeli Supreme Court Demands Clarity on Police Investigations Unit Appointments During Election Period

The Israeli Supreme Court has ordered Justice Minister Yariv Levin to clarify whether he intends to advance appointments to the Police Investigations Unit (Mahash) during the upcoming election period. This follows the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's announcement that the deadline for applications for the Mahash director position has been extended to August 16, concluding about two months before the scheduled October 27 elections.

The court's directive came amid a petition filed by the Movement for Quality Government and the Israel Bar Association, challenging the new Mahash law. The law, set to take effect in 2027, significantly politicizes the unit by allowing the Justice Minister to select its head through a committee dominated by his appointees. One leading candidate reportedly favored by Levin is retired District Court Judge Moshe Drori, known to be close to the government.

Attorney General Baharav-Miara also submitted a response to interim injunction requests against the law, warning that it creates an unprecedented situation where a criminal investigation and prosecution body is directly subordinate to political leadership. She urged delaying the law's implementation and related appointments until the petitions are resolved, emphasizing the risk to human rights and the legitimacy of state coercive power if political interference in criminal investigations increases.

Critics argue the law could allow politicians to influence who is investigated, potentially deterring probes into government officials, and permit journalists to attend interrogations without prior approval from the Attorney General's office. The Supreme Court's demand for clarity reflects concerns over the timing and political implications of appointments during the sensitive election period.